Press Release

U.S. Figure Skating release on Olympic team event

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(04/06/2011) - Colorado Springs, Colo. -- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today announced the addition of a figure skating team event for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. The figure skating team event is one of six overall new events added to the Games.

"We are excited that the IOC has confirmed the addition of a team figure skating event for the upcoming Olympics," U.S. Figure Skating Executive Director David Raith said. "The International Skating Union debuted its World Team Trophy event two years ago and has worked diligently to include a similar team event in the Winter Olympic Games. U.S. Figure Skating is excited there will be another medal opportunity for its skaters at the Winter Olympic Games."

According to the IOC, the figure skating team event will feature teams made up of six skaters: one male, one female, one pairs team and one ice dancing couple. Points will be awarded to each skater/couple, and the team with the highest number of points will be the winner.

U.S. Figure Skating awaits further clarification on the technical details of the event.

"In a sport viewed mainly as an individual sport, the team event will create a new sense of camaraderie among the team members," Raith said. "U.S. Figure Skating has great depth and we're optimistic we will be able to field a strong team."

The International Skating Union (ISU) hosted the first World Team Trophy in 2009. The event, held in Tokyo, featured two ladies, two men, one pairs team and one ice dancing team from the six countries with the best placements at that year's World Championships. The United States won gold while Canada earned the silver and Japan the bronze.

The 2011 ISU World Team Trophy was set for April 14?17 in Yokohama, Japan, but due to the earthquake and tsunami, the event was cancelled. The ISU expects the event to take place next April in Japan.

For more information about the events added for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games, please visit their website.